Benitez gives his verdict on Terry’s Lampard reaction

Rafa Benitez has admitted he was “surprised” at Chelsea captain John Terry’s online comments in support of teammate Frank Lampard.

On Friday morning, Terry posted comments about the future of the 34-year-old midfielder - a sensitive issue for the club - on his Instagram account: “Devastated is an understatement. We should retire the number 8 shirt in honour of Lamps. #theheartbeat #hero #legend #hero #goalmachine #friend #ktbffh [keep the blue flag flying high] #cfc #chelsea.”

The Blues’ interim boss did, however, believe that neither the comments nor the club’s decision over Lampard is affecting the players.

“I can understand that maybe it is distracting (Terry’s comments) but in the training session I could not see anything, nobody was talking about this,” said the former Liverpool boss. “They are professionals.”

I didn’t know about John Terry going public about Frank Lampard until I arrived at training. I was surprised.”

Benitez continued by reiterating it is what the players do on the pitch with two important cup ties in the space of five days to come.

“I do not have a problem. The priority is to concentrate about matters on the pitch.”

“I have a good professional (in Frank Lampard) doing well in every training session and in each of the games. After we will see, but we are happy to see him here.”